Pratt & Whitney opens European centre for propulsion innovation

The Netherlands-based ETIC will support collaborative work across hydrogen, hybrid-electric and gas turbine systems for future aircraft efficiency and performance.

Pratt & Whitney has opened the European Technology and Innovation Center (ETIC) in Houten, Netherlands. The centre is focused on advanced propulsion research, including hydrogen and hybrid-electric systems, to help improve energy efficiency and aircraft performance.

“As an independent innovation center dedicated to cutting edge technology research, ETIC is a first-of-a-kind facility for Pratt & Whitney in Europe, complementing our existing engineering centers in North America, Poland and across the globe,” says Michael Thacker, senior vice president, Engineering and Technology, Pratt & Whitney.

The ETIC shares a location with Collins Aerospace’s European Innovation Hub and expands RTX’s engagement with the Dutch aerospace sector. It follows the signing of research agreements with the Netherlands Aerospace Group and TU Delft.

“We are thrilled to take this next step in our collaboration with Pratt & Whitney,” says Professor Henri Werij, Dean of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, TU Delft. “Close collaboration with leading aerospace companies is crucial for developing technologies required to enable a sustainable future of aviation — and to shape the talent that will drive our industry forward.”

RTX employs 300 people in the Netherlands and 21,000 across Europe. Over 7,000 of them work for Pratt & Whitney, mostly in Poland.